The cart creaked steadily along the dirt path, the rhythmic clop of the horses' hooves blending with the rustle of the wind over the rolling hills. The morning sun was bright, casting long shadows on the vibrant green fields dotted with the occasional rabbit or bird darting through the tall grass.
Ulrik sat at the reins, his massive frame casting an imposing silhouette. Beside him, Vidal lounged comfortably, his curious eyes flickering to the scenery with occasional interest. Emery and I sat in the back of the cart, the hum of the journey broken only by the occasional bounce as we hit a rock or divot in the road.
After what felt like an hour of silence, Ulrik turned his head slightly and grunted. "Let's talk about cultivation."
His words cut through the quiet, pulling Emery and me from our thoughts.
---
"For warriors," Ulrik began, his voice rough but clear, "cultivation revolves around Internal Energy—Qi. It's the essence that flows through every living being, but only those who go through the changing can sense it and control it."
I leaned forward, my interest piqued. "What stage am I at now?"
"You're at the Fledgling Stage," Ulrik said. "Every warrior who goes through the changing starts there. It's where your journey begins."
Emery raised an eyebrow. "And after the Fledgling Stage?"
Ulrik smirked. "Eager, aren't you? After the Fledgling Stage comes the Warrior Stage. Most warriors reach this by forming their Qi core, also called the Dantian. This core forms in your chest, just under your sternum, and becomes the center of your energy."
He fixed me with a serious look. "Most warriors never advance beyond the Warrior Stage. The guards you saw in Akerholt are all examples of warriors stuck at this level. Rorik, too, is at the Warrior Stage."
I frowned, the idea unsettling. "Why do so many get stuck there?"
"Because forming a Qi core is only the first step," Ulrik said. "Advancing further requires talent, discipline, and unshakable will. Most people lack one or all of those things."
---
Emery tilted her head. "What's after the Warrior Stage, then?"
Ulrik leaned back slightly, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "The next stage is the Warden Stage, followed by the Knight Stage. That's where I am."
I couldn't help but be impressed. Ulrik's sheer presence made more sense now. "And after that?"
Ulrik's gaze hardened. "After that is the Master Stage. The Elder of the Wolf Clan is the only warrior in these lands who has reached that level. Don't waste time thinking about what comes after; you've got plenty to worry about here and now."
He gestured at me, his voice firm. "In the Fledgling Stage, you need to push your body to its absolute limit. Test yourself in every aspect of your Qi affinities—strength, speed, stamina, perception, all of it. Only then can you form your Qi core. It takes most warriors two to three years, so most have their cores by age ten."
His words settled heavily in the air. I was far behind, but I refused to let that stop me.
---
Vidal, who had been quiet until now, cleared his throat. "Magi cultivation," he began, his tone smoother than Ulrik's, "is similar, yet fundamentally different. Like warriors, Magi start at the Fledgling Stage. But instead of pushing their physical limits, Magi meditate. The goal is to feel Mana, the invisible energy that surrounds us all."
"How long does that take?" Emery asked, her brow furrowed.
"For most, two to three years," Vidal replied. "By age ten, most Magi can sense Mana and form their Mana core, also called the Sea of Consciousness. This core resides in the mind and serves as the wellspring of a Magi's power."
---
"And after the Fledgling Stage?" I asked.
"The next stage is the Magi Stage," Vidal explained. "That's where most Magi remain. Ingrid, for example, is at this stage. Beyond that are the Sorcerer Stage, which is where I am, the Magus Stage, and the Master Stage. Unlike the Wolf Clan's warriors, there are no Master Stage Magi in these lands."
Emery glanced at him. "What do Magi do while they're at the Fledgling Stage? Just meditate all day?"
Vidal smiled faintly. "Meditation is the main focus, but many Magi also pursue auxiliary occupations. These are roles that allow them to contribute to society while deepening their understanding of Mana."
---
"Auxiliary occupations?" Emery asked.
Vidal nodded. "Yes. Alchemist, Enchanter, Rune Inscriber, Healer, Magic Scribe, Diviner, Architect, Pill Maker, Sealer, Ward Maker—the list is extensive. Each affinity tends to align with certain roles. For example, someone with Fire Mana might excel as a Pill Maker, while someone with Light and Life Mana, like you, would make an exceptional Healer."
Emery's eyes widened, her gaze dropping thoughtfully. "A Healer?"
Vidal nodded. "Healing magic is a rare and valuable skill. With your affinities, it would be a mistake not to pursue it."
---
I shifted in my seat, my curiosity bubbling to the surface. "What about me?"
Vidal's expression sharpened. "You're a Warlock. Your focus must remain solely on mastering both Qi and Mana. There's no room for auxiliary pursuits. Your path is war."
The weight of his words settled heavily in the cart. For some reason, I didn't feel fear—I felt purpose.
---
Ulrik glanced back at me, his eyes narrowing. "You've got potential, boy. Don't squander it. Strength like yours will draw envy, and envy leads to danger. If you don't learn to protect yourself—and those around you—you'll lose everything."
I met his gaze, my jaw tightening. "I won't let that happen."
Emery's hand brushed mine, her touch grounding me. I glanced at her, seeing the same resolve mirrored in her eyes.
"We'll figure this out," she said softly.
The cart rattled on, the road ahead winding through the unknown. Whatever lay ahead, we would face it together.